Packaging, Packing Unit for a Packaging, and Method for Manufacturing a Packaging

Abstract

A packaging for food includes a container to accommodate a food substance. An identifying element is disposed around the container that identifies the food substance. A functional element is associated with the container to remove the food substance from the container. The identifying element is indirectly and detachably connected to the container via the functional element. Upon removal of the functional element from the container, the identifying element is also removed from the container.

Claims

1-15. (canceled)

16. A packaging for food, comprising: a container to accommodate a food substance; an identifying element disposed around the container that identifies the food substance; a functional element associated with the container to remove the food substance from the container; the identifying element indirectly and detachably connected to the container via the functional element; and wherein upon removal of the functional element from the container, the identifying element is automatically removed from the container.

17. The packaging of claim 16, wherein the identifying element is indirectly and detachably connected to the container exclusively via the functional element.

18. The packaging of claim 16, wherein the functional element is detachably connected directly to the container and the identifying element is detachably connected directly to the functional element.

19. The packaging of claim 16, wherein the functional element is integrally formed with one or both of the container and the identifying element.

20. The packaging of claim 16, wherein the functional element is formed from a same material as the container or the identifying element.

21. The packaging of claim 16, wherein the container is formed from a first material and the identifying element is formed from a different second material.

22. The packaging of claim 16, comprising a first predetermined separation region via which the functional element is detachably connected to the identifying element container and a second predetermined separation region via which a first section of the identifying element is connected to a second section of the identifying element.

23. The packaging of claim 22, wherein one or both of the first and second predetermined separation regions extend across a complete transverse direction of the identifying element.

24. The packaging of claim 22, wherein one or both of the first and second predetermined separation regions comprises a region of material weakening.

25. The packaging of claim 16, wherein the functional element is connected to the container at a connection region with a material such that the functional element is detachable from the container without damage to the functional element.

26. The packaging of claim 25, wherein the functional element is connected to the identifying element via a second connection region.

27. The packaging of claim 16, further comprising one or more engagement regions formed in one or both of the functional element and the identifying element.

28. A packaging unit for use with the packaging of claim 16, wherein the packaging unit comprises an integral formation of the container and the functional element or an integral formation of the functional element and the container.

29. A method for manufacturing the packaging of claim 16, comprising connecting the functional element directly to the container and connecting the identifying element indirectly to the container by attaching the identifying element directly to the functional element such that upon removal of the functional element from the container, the identifying element is automatically removed from the container.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Further advantages of the invention are described in the following exemplary embodiments. Wherein:

[0033] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a packaging according to one exemplary embodiment,

[0034] FIG. 2 shows a sectional representation of a side view of a packaging according to an exemplary embodiment similar to FIG. 1,

[0035] FIG. 3a shows a top view of a packaging unit in an unrolled shape according to one exemplary embodiment,

[0036] FIG. 3b shows a top view of a packaging unit in an unrolled shape according to one further exemplary embodiment,

[0037] FIG. 3c shows a top view of a packaging unit in an unrolled shape according to one further exemplary embodiment,

[0038] FIG. 3d shows a top view of a packaging unit in an unrolled shape according to one further exemplary embodiment,

[0039] FIG. 4a shows a perspective view of a functional element in a basic shape according to one exemplary embodiment,

[0040] FIG. 4b shows a perspective view of a functional element in a functional shape according to an exemplary embodiment similar to FIG. 4,

[0041] FIG. 5 shows a sectional representation of a side view of a packaging according to one further exemplary embodiment, and

[0042] FIG. 6 shows a sectional representation of a side view of a packaging according to one further exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Reference will now be made to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are shown in the drawings. Each embodiment is provided by way of explanation of the invention, and not as a limitation of the invention. For example features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be combined with another embodiment to yield still another embodiment. It is intended that the present invention include these and other modifications and variations to the embodiments described herein.

[0044] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a packaging 1 according to a first exemplary embodiment. The packaging 1 comprises a container 2, an identifying element 3, and a functional element 4. In the present exemplary embodiment, the container 2 is designed as a round, tapered cup. The identifying element 3 encompasses the container 2 at its outer circumference. It is utilized for identifying a substance, in particular food, intended to be accommodated in the cup 2. Moreover, the identifying element 3 can be utilized for advertising a brand associated with the substance. Advantageously, the identifying element 3 reinforces the container 2, and so the container 2 can be designed to have thin walls. As a result, the container 2 can be designed in a material-saving manner. The identifying element 3 and the container 2 are preferably formed from materials that are different from each other. These are preferably materials that must be separated from each other for recycling reasons. The identifying element 3 is manufactured, in particular, from an environmentally friendly material, such as cardboard, paper, or paperboard. The container 2 is preferably manufactured from a non-environmentally friendly material, such as plastic.

[0045] In the example shown, the identifying element 3 and the functional element 4 form a packaging unit 5 of the packaging 1. In this case, the functional element 4 is at least partially a component of the identifying element 3. The functional element 4 is connected to the identifying element 3 via a first predetermined separation region 6, which can be, for example, a material weakening 7, in particular in the form of a perforation. A first predetermined separation region 6 of this type is therefore utilized for separating the identifying element 3 and the functional element 4 of the packaging unit 5 with the aid of the hands and/or without an additional tool. The first predetermined separation region 6 therefore preferably forms a predetermined breaking point. The first predetermined separation region 6 is irreparably destroyed during the separation of the functional element 4 from the identifying element 3.

[0046] The packaging unit 5 is detachably connected to the container 2 in at least one connection region 8. The detachable connection is preferably formed with the aid of a glue 9 situated in the connection region 8. The connection region 8 is formed between the functional element 4 and the container 2. The identifying element 3, however, rests loosely against the outer circumference of the container 2. Consequently, the identifying element 3 is indirectly connected to the container 2 in the connection region 8 via the functional element 4. Upon removal of the functional element 4, the functional element 4 is separated from the identifying element 3 in the first predetermined separation region 6. Simultaneously, the connection between the functional element 4 and the container 2 in the connection region 8 is also separated. As soon as the functional element 4 is removed from the identifying element 3, there is, consequently, also no longer a fastening, in particular an adhesive bond, between the identifying element 3 and the container 2. As a result, the identifying element 3 is therefore also automatically detached from the container 2. The identifying element 3 therefore drops off the container 2 or can be easily removed from the container 2. When a user wants to utilize the functional element 4, he/she must therefore also imperatively separate the identifying element 3 from the container 2.

[0047] In the present exemplary embodiment, multiple connection regions 8 are formed in the region of the functional element 4. There is no force-locked connection between the identifying element 3 and the container 2. The identifying element 3 therefore rests loosely against the container 2. Consequently, the identifying element 3 separates from the container 2 after the functional element 4 has been removed.

[0048] In order for a user to more easily separate the functional element 4 from the identifying element 3, it is advantageous when the packaging unit 5 comprises an engagement region 10. This can be designed in the shape of a tab, as shown in FIG. 1. Due to gripping and pulling on this engagement region 10, in particular the tab, a simpler separation of the functional element 4 from the identifying element 3 is implementable. Instead of a tab, a recess can also be formed, in particular between the functional element 4 and the identifying element 3.

[0049] If the functional element 4 is therefore separated out of the identifying element 3, in particular via engagement into the engagement region 10, the, preferably integral, connection between the packaging unit 5 and the container 2 is also separated in the at least one connection region 8. The identifying element 3 is therefore connected to the container 2 exclusively indirectly via the functional element 4. As a result, when the functional element 4 has been removed, the identifying element 3 drops off the container 2. The consumer therefore does not need to deal with a separate disposal of the container 2 and of the identifying element 3 after the consumption of the substance, in particular food, located therein.

[0050] In order to be able to more easily consume the substance located in the container 2, it is advantageous when the functional element 4, after having been separated out, can be brought into a functional shape (cf. FIGS. 4a and 4b). For this purpose, the functional element 4 comprises at least one folding contour 11. In the functional shape, the at least one functional element 4 can be, for example, a spoon, a fork, a knife, a spatula, or a chopstick.

[0051] In FIG. 2, a lateral sectional representation of the packaging 1 according to one exemplary embodiment similar to FIG. 1 is represented. The section through the packaging 1 extends essentially centrally through the functional element 4. The features of the packaging 1 mentioned above with reference to the exemplary embodiment represented in FIG. 1 can be transferred onto one another and combined with each other. As is also represented in FIG. 1, the identifying element 3 is also indirectly connected to the container 2 via the functional element 4 in FIG. 2. The packaging unit 5 is detachably connected to the container 2 in the at least one connection region 8. The connection region 8 is formed between the functional element 4 and the container 2. The identifying element 3 is connected to the container 2 exclusively indirectly, in particular via the at least one functional element 4 and/or the at least one connection region 8.

[0052] There is no direct adhesive bond, therefore, between the identifying element 3 and the container 2. Therefore, if the functional element 4 is separated out of the identifying element 3 via the first predetermined separation region 6 shown in FIG. 1, the connection region 8 is also automatically separated. As a result, the identifying element 3 detaches from the container 2. Therefore, when the functional element 4 has been removed, the identifying element 3 drops off the container 2 in a transverse direction Q of the identifying element 3.

[0053] In FIGS. 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d, top views of a packaging unit 5 in an unrolled shape according to further exemplary embodiments are represented. Alternatively, the exemplary embodiment of the packaging 1 represented in FIGS. 1 and 2 can comprise a packaging unit 5 according to the alternative embodiments represented in FIGS. 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3b. In this case as well, the packaging unit 5 comprises the identifying element 3 and the functional element 4, which are connected to each other and/or separable via the first predetermined separation region 6. The features of the packaging unit 5 mentioned above with reference to the exemplary embodiments represented in FIGS. 1 and 2 and those mentioned in the following with reference to the exemplary embodiments represented in FIGS. 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d can be transferred onto one another and combined with each other.

[0054] The packaging units 5 represented in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3a differ essentially only by the alternative engagement region 10. The packaging unit 5 shown in FIG. 3a comprises multiple, in particular two, engagement regions 10, whereas the packaging unit 5 shown in FIG. 1 comprises only one engagement region 10. Moreover, the engagement region 10, in particular the recess, according to FIG. 1 is formed in the identifying element 3, and the engagement regions 10, in particular recesses, according to FIG. 3a, are formed in the functional element. In FIG. 2, the representation of the engagement region 10 was omitted for the sake of greater clarity.

[0055] In the unrolled shape, the packaging unit 5 has a longitudinal direction L and the transverse direction Q. When the unrolled packaging unit 5 from FIG. 3a is wrapped around the container 2 along the longitudinal direction L, the wrap shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 arises. The packaging unit 5 is therefore designed as a wrap according to FIGS. 1 and 2. In order to retain the shape of the wrap, as shown in FIG. 3a, a free end 12 of the packaging unit 5 is fastened, in particular glued, at a fastening tab 13. In this way, it can be ensured that the wrap does not transition back into the unrolled shape.

[0056] FIG. 3b shows, similarly to FIG. 3a, an unrolled packaging unit 5. In contrast to the exemplary embodiment represented in FIG. 3a, the identifying element 3 comprises a second predetermined separation region 16. The functional element 4 forms an engagement region 10 at one end in the transverse direction Q of the identifying element 3. If the engagement region 10 is pulled, the functional element 4 separates from the identifying element 3 along the first predetermined separation region 6. Upon separation of the functional element 4 from the identifying element 3 via the first predetermined separation region 6, a first section 17 also separates from the second section 18 of the identifying element 3 due to the second predetermined separation region 16. Since the predetermined separation regions 6, 16 extend across the entire transverse direction Q of the identifying element 3, after the separation of the functional element 4, the first section 17 and the second section 18 are completely separated from each other.

[0057] In FIG. 3c, similarly to FIGS. 3a and 3b, an unrolled packaging unit 5 is represented. In contrast to the aforementioned exemplary embodiments, the functional element 4 extends across the transverse direction Q of the identifying element 3. The first predetermined separation region 6 therefore extends across the complete transverse direction Q of the identifying element 3. Upon separation of the functional element 4 from the identifying element 3 via the first predetermined separation region 6, the identifying element 3 divides into the first section 17 and the second section 18.

[0058] FIG. 3d shows, similarly to FIGS. 3a, 3b, and 3c, an unrolled packaging unit 5. In contrast to the aforementioned exemplary embodiments, the functional element 4 is designed as a funnel. As is also shown in FIG. 3b, in this case as well, the first predetermined separation region 6 extends together with the second predetermined separation region 16 across the complete transverse direction Q of the identifying element 3. In contrast to the aforementioned exemplary embodiments, the functional element 4 comprises two insertion tabs 19 and two recesses 20. After the separation of the functional element 4 from the identifying element 3, the functional element 4 is folded along the folding contour 11 and the insertion tabs 19 are inserted into the recesses 20. A funnel therefore arises from the functional element 4.

[0059] In FIGS. 4a and 4b, a functional element 4, in particular for a packaging 1 and/or a packaging unit 5 according to the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and/or 3a, is shown in different states. FIG. 4a shows the functional element 4 in a basic shape and FIG. 4b shows the functional element 4 in a functional shape. If the functional element 4 is mounted at a container 2 (see FIG. 1), it is in the basic shape. If the functional element 4 is separated from the container 2 and folded at its at least one folding contour 11, however, for use, the functional element 4 according to FIG. 4b is present in its functional shape. In the example shown, the functional shape of the functional element 4 comprises a stem end 14 for gripping and a dish-like recess 15 for accommodating the substance. The functional element 4 is therefore shaped as a spoon.

[0060] FIG. 5 shows a lateral sectional representation of the packaging 1 according to an alternative exemplary embodiment. In contrast to the preceding figures, in this case, the packaging unit 5 comprises the container 2 and the functional element 4. The identifying element 3 is connected to the functional element 4 via the connection region 8. This connection region 8 is formed by the surfaces of the functional element 4 that face the container 2. The surfaces hold the identifying element 3 at the container 2 in a form-locking manner. The identifying element 3 is therefore indirectly connected to the container 2 via the functional element 4.

[0061] The functional element 4 is connected to the container 2 via the first predetermined separation region 6. For easier separation, the first predetermined separation region 6 can comprise a material weakening 7, in particular a notch in the present example. If the functional element 4 is removed from the container 2, at least a portion of the first predetermined separation region 6 remains connected to the container 2. Since the identifying element 3 is held at the container 2 exclusively by the functional element 4, in particular in a form-locking manner, the identifying element 3 drops off the container 2 upon removal of the functional element 4. The consumer is therefore compelled to dispose of the container 2, the identifying element 3, and the functional element 4 separately from each other after the consumption of the substance, in particular food, located therein.

[0062] In FIG. 6, a lateral sectional representation of the packaging 1 according to one exemplary embodiment is represented. In contrast to the preceding figures, in this case, the functional element 4 is connected to the container 2 as well as to the identifying element 3 via the connection regions 8, 8′. The container 2 is connected via the first connection region 8 and the identifying element 3 is connected via the second connection region 8′ to the functional element 4. The functional element 4 is arranged, in particular in a cross-sectional view, between the container 2 and the identifying element 3. The detachable connection between the identifying element 3 and the container 2 is formed by the glue 9 situated in the connection regions 8, 8′. The identifying element 3 is connected to the container 2 exclusively indirectly, namely via the at least one functional element 4 and the at least one connection region 8, 8′, in particular via the particular glue 9 in the present case. There is no direct adhesive bond, therefore, between the identifying element 3 and the container 2. Consequently, the identifying element 3 is automatically detached from the container 2 upon detachment of the functional element 4. Additionally or alternatively, similarly to the exemplary embodiment from FIGS. 2 and 5, the functional element 4 can be connected to the container 2 and/or to the identifying element 3 via the first predetermined separation region 6.

[0063] Therefore, if the functional element 4 is detached from the container 2 via the first connection region 8, the second connection region 8′ is automatically also separated. As a result, the identifying element 3 detaches from the container 2.

[0064] Therefore, when the functional element 4 has been removed, the identifying element 3 drops off the container 2 in the transverse direction Q of the identifying element 3.

[0065] Additionally, the identifying element 3 can comprise a predetermined separation region 6, in particular a material weakening 7, such as a perforation, in the region of the functional element 4. Upon removal of the functional element 4, the predetermined separation region 6 of the identifying element 3 is therefore additionally destroyed, and so the identifying element 3 can be more easily removed from the container 2.

[0066] The present invention is not limited to the represented and described exemplary embodiments. Modifications within the scope of the claims are also possible, as is any combination of the features, even if they are represented and described in different exemplary embodiments.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0067] 1 packaging [0068] 2 container [0069] 3 identifying element [0070] 4 functional element [0071] 5 packaging unit [0072] 6 first predetermined separation region [0073] 7 material weakening [0074] 8,8′ connection region [0075] 9 glue [0076] 10 engagement region [0077] 11 folding contour [0078] 12 free end [0079] 13 fastening tab [0080] 14 stem end [0081] 15 recess [0082] 16 second predetermined separation region [0083] 17 first section [0084] 18 second section [0085] 19 insertion tab [0086] 20 recess [0087] Q transverse direction [0088] L longitudinal direction